Toyota and MTN, in conjunction with other sponsors, have recently opened the Toyota MTN Cycle Park in Bryanston, Johannesburg to provide cycling enthusiasts of all ages with a safe environment to enjoy this healthy activity.
After completion of the first phase of the cycle park, which is built along similar themes to the ski resorts in Europe and America, the facility initially opened its gates to the public in November last year to ensure that locals and holidaymakers could get their first taste of the track, while finishing touches to the more advanced courses were being carried out.
The Toyota MTN Cycle Park features a BMX dirt racing track, several short course entry-level racing tracks for younger age groups, the Toyota Kiddies track for new young riders, as well as advanced single track routes for the more experienced off-road cyclists.
Andrew Mclean of Cycle Lab, under whose auspices the park is managed, said: “We always knew the Toyota MTN Cycle Park would be a huge success. With over 1000 people a week through the park, what has really amazed us are the number of families with kids that are visiting the park. In addition, we’re booking up to five children’s parties a week, with bookings already scheduled for the next few months.
“The next ”big boom” in cycling is going to be BMX, with our new “Sifiso Nhlapo Track” built to international standards, coming to completion. This attraction is going to result in hundreds of happy kids in Johannesburg and the surrounding areas.”
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Toyota South Africa, Andrew Kirby said: "Toyota always approaches sponsorship agreements as partnerships and tries to find the right match with our brand. The Toyota MTN Cycle Park is a perfect fit with all the family values associated with it. The park is an ideal family environment where you can bring all the children and enjoy a family outing."
Designer of the park, Dr Geoff Vorpagel said: “The involvement of major corporate sponsors such as Toyota and MTN in a community recreation project like the Toyota MTN Cycle Park has allowed us to cater to a much broader section of society, introducing new people to a healthy, active lifestyle. So many kids are learning that bikes are fun, just like all the folks that went before them.”
The Toyota MTN Cycle Park has a major safety and security management plan in place which includes emergency and medical support from emergency services group ER 24 and medical insurance company Medscheme. Insurance company Outsurance has come on board as the official cover agents for the park, and a security company has been employed to ensure the safety of the property.
Other facilities at the park include the Seattle Coffee Co. where visitors can order refreshments, including Energade and a range of coffees. Parents can relax under the shaded benches while their kids race around the gravel mounds and ramps. An on-site bike shop is also available to patrons for daily bike rentals, on-site repairs for minor mechanical problems and other requirements, as well as a Shimano Tech Zone.
ToyotaZone March/April 2009
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